Jorge Martín Leaves It All on the Table

Eleven passes in the first three laps. Jorge Martín and Pecco Bagnaia showcased the essence of roadracing at the Malaysian GP, the penultimate round of the 2024 season. Following a disastrous crash on Saturday and Martín’s victory, Bagnaia was compelled to win on Sunday to try to close the 29-point gap and postpone the title celebration until the final round in Barcelona. The venue will host the grand finale after the cancellation of Valencia due to devastating flooding that claimed over 200 lives.

Martín started the race knowing Bagnaia had nothing to lose and would be on the attack mode. Meanwhile, Martín needed just nine more points to secure the championship. Instead of playing it safe, he went all out. Was it heart or madness? Martín reveals that this fierce determination stems from his personal growth after losing the MotoGP crown to Bagnaia last year in Valencia.

This season, determination and consistency have been Martín’s mantras. Sprint races have highlighted his strength, transforming his once impulsive and instinctive style into a calmer, more strategic approach to the race weekend, while still holding onto his Spanish passion.

Now, Martín holds a 24-point lead over Bagnaia as they head into the final race. A total of 37 points will be available: Martín needs 14 to be mathematically crowned world champion, even if Bagnaia finishes ahead of him in both races. For Martín, a win in the sprint or gaining just two more points on Bagnaia will be enough to clinch the title.

In the first three laps, there were 11 overtakes and counter-overtakes between you and Bagnaia. You showed incredible heart and bravery, with everything at stake.

“I felt that I could win that race, and I wanted it. As a rider, I trust my instincts, so I gave it my all in those early laps to try to gain and maintain the lead.”

Bagnaia seemed to have the edge in the longer race.

“Ten GP wins this season show that, but I am stronger in the sprint. Regarding the race, Pecco was very strong on the brakes and closed the door effectively when he passed me. Whenever I overtook him, he countered immediately. I struggled a bit with the full tank, and choosing the medium front tire over the soft was a gamble in the first laps, but I managed it. I knew if I could keep the lead for at least one lap, I could make it work.”

Did you consider the risks during that aggressive duel?

“It was a hard battle—aggressive but fair. I appreciate that about Pecco. We have a lot of respect for each other and rarely make contact, always leaving a millimeter of space. I need to thank Pecco; he is an accomplished champion—so strong that he pushed me to raise my game and improve my level.”

You continued to challenge him until the end.

“When Marc [Márquez] crashed, maybe I relaxed a bit too much because I didn’t feel the need to defend myself so fiercely. But toward the end, I saw that Pecco was right there, and I tried again. I had a big scare at turn 9, and at that point, I thought, OK, let’s just bring home this second place.”

How did you prepare for this race? How much was strategy and how much was instinct?

“You need to prepare in advance and have a clear strategy. We had the pace, and our plan was to take the lead and win.”

Martín versus Bagnaia: heart versus head. We saw this thrilling battle last year as well. What’s different this time?

“I’ve worked a lot on myself. Losing the title in Valencia last year was very frustrating, and it caused some doubts. I worked through those with my psychologist, and now I feel mentally much stronger on track. My approach has changed; I think a lot about my actions and their potential outcomes, and I’ve ruled out the possibility of losing.”

You appear much calmer and more calculated compared to 2023. What’s behind this “zen attitude”?

“I won’t reveal my secret, but I will say this: You need to meditate!”

With just one race left and a 24-point gap, how confident are you?

“I’m confident in my work and how I got here. I feel closer to my ultimate goal, but nothing is certain until the end. I believe in my dream, that’s for sure. I want the title for myself, my team, and the Spanish people, who are going through a tough time. This podium is for them.”

What are your thoughts on the finale in Barcelona?

“I’ve been on the podium in 2022 and 2023. In November, the conditions will be different, but on paper, it’s a good track for both of us.”

Finally, how would you describe Pecco?

“There’s a lot of mutual respect between us, which has allowed me to improve myself. He’s a complete rider—resilient and able to bounce back after tough times. He’s an accomplished champion.”